“The human race will ultimately be responsible for its own demise. It is with great certainty that I alert you of this now, and you heed my warnings. What we have called the ‘benefits culture’ for hundreds of years has caused profound chaos to our world and its economy, and it is damage I fear we will not return from.” President of the USA, Harold Chant, the year 2465.“We need to find alternative … 2465.
“We need to find alternative fuels and a cure for overpopulation. But short of a miracle or genocide, I fear it’s too late…” Queen Anastasia of England, the year 2989.
Against all foretelling and scientific proof, humans have ruined their home, Earth. Overpopulation and the misuse of valuable fossil fuels have resulted in the end of the world fast approaching, and many believe it might be too late to stop it.
With that fear very much in mind, in the year 3030, an alien race called the Thrakorian’s stepped in to take charge of the Earth and its inhabitants, but at a price.
Rather than leading by fear, the Thrakorian’s have ensured the loyalty and servitude of the human race through gratitude and a sense of purpose they’d been lacking for generations. But can their savior’s really be as generous as they seem?
Years later, and rebel forces are intent on bringing down their new governing race, and Earth’s new leader atop it. Loyal humans must fight against their own, but to what end, and for whose agenda?
Young Kyra Millan is a girl from the slums with a valuable mind. She’s intent on fighting her way up the social ladders and starting a new life based on her own merit, and will do anything it takes to reach her peak. Kyra also harbors a strange and unusual secret though, and it’s one she holds so precious it consumes her. Before long it becomes clear that all is not what it seems, but when you’re in too deep can you ever come back, and would you even want to?
Kyra must decide, and with everything on the line she’ll have to prove herself if she wants to survive.
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Kyra was just a young girl when invasion day happened, lucky to escape the destruction of her home she sought sanctuary from the invaders in the most unlikely of places, the scars from the thorns of the rosebush she hid in would remain on her body, but the kindness of the invader who rescued her would remain indelibly on her soul.
King Kronus, unlikely saviour of Kyra and now overlord of Earth, is largely untouchable to Humankind, he is a face on broadcasts at most to them. Kyra keeping her earlier encounter a secret from those around her, is forced to grow up an orphan along with the many others who lost their families on Invasion Day. Joining the military is the only option as far as she is concerned, she is bright and she knows that the Intelligence Division is where her loyalties to the Thrakorian’s will take her.
Kyra’s preparation for her chosen path serves her well, quickly making a name for herself at the training camp, she catches the eye of Sgt McDermott, but just how will their growing feelings for each other impact upon her long term plan of rising up through the ranks? Kyra’s life is turned upside down by events, which start to spiral when a random event allows her natural code breaking ability to shine. Her abilities, however, lead her to start questioning all she has ever known and will it be possible for the alliances she has forged to protect her?
This book drew me in from the very first page, I loved that story began with quotes from future historical figures about how the earth was spiralling towards it’s demise prior to invasion day. The author very helpfully also outlines the hierarchy and social/military ladder, which helps with understanding the future you are being taken to. The long term damage caused by an apathetic society reliant on a benefit system is entirely believable and I think that set the story up well. Kyra’s drive is understandable and her encounter with King Kronus clearly gives her an extra edge. The story does raise a number of issues around friendship, trust, loyalty and even touches on domestic violence, which I felt to be a brave move in a YA book and one which was handled exceptionally by this author. Kyra is instantly likeable and her unfaltering loyalty starts to become her vulnerability in my view, leading her to truly life changing places and events. Although much of the story focuses on her military training, the pace is continual and doesn’t falter, you find yourself rooting for Kyra throughout.
The story is one where you think you know where it’s headed and then something happens to turn it on it’s head! Just when you think it’s a love story it almost becomes a thriller and then back to Sci-fi. I am loving the trend of strong young females in YA fiction and Kyra can certainly give Katniss and Tris runs for their money.
I cannot wait to read the second instalment in this series – this is most definitely a 5 star read from me.